Vegetables

Cucumis sativus 'Lemon'

Lemon Cucumber

CucurbitaceaeAsia

At a Glance

Typeannual
Habitvining
Foliagedeciduous
Height6-8 feet
Width2-3 feet

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4a - 10b
Zone 4a
Zone 4b
Zone 5a
Zone 5b
Zone 6a
Zone 6b
Zone 7a
Zone 7b
Zone 8a
Zone 8b
Zone 9a
Zone 9b
Zone 10a
Zone 10b
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancetender

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Container Friendly
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Cucumis sativus 'Lemon' is a unique heirloom cucumber cultivar known for its distinctive round, lemon-shaped fruits and mild, sweet flavor. This vining annual produces small, pale yellow to cream-colored cucumbers that are approximately 2-3 inches in diameter when mature, resembling miniature melons more than traditional cucumbers. The fruits have smooth, thin, tender skin that requires no peeling and crisp, white flesh with a refreshing, mild taste that lacks the bitterness sometimes found in conventional cucumbers. The plant produces typical cucumber foliage with large, heart-shaped, rough-textured leaves that are medium to dark green in color. Small, yellow, star-shaped flowers appear throughout the growing season, followed by the characteristic round fruits that start pale green and mature to a creamy yellow color. Cucumis sativus 'Lemon' is distinguished from other cucumber varieties by its unique fruit shape, size, and coloration, making it an excellent conversation starter in the garden.

Native Range

Cucumis sativus is native to the Indian subcontinent, particularly the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India and Nepal, where wild varieties can still be found growing naturally in forest clearings and along riverbanks.

Suggested Uses

Cucumis sativus 'Lemon' works well in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and containers with adequate support. The unique appearance makes it excellent for novelty gardens, children's gardens, and as a conversation piece. Fruits are perfect for fresh eating, salads, pickling, and garnishing due to their attractive appearance and mild flavor. The compact size makes them ideal for lunch boxes and appetizer plates.

How to Identify

Cucumis sativus 'Lemon' can be identified by its distinctive round, lemon-shaped fruits that are pale yellow to cream colored when mature, measuring 2-3 inches in diameter. The fruits have smooth, thin skin and are borne on typical cucumber vines with large, heart-shaped, rough-textured leaves. Unlike traditional elongated cucumbers, the fruits of this cultivar are nearly spherical and resemble small melons in appearance, making identification straightforward even from a distance.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 8'
Width/Spread2' - 3'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
SummerFall
summer through early fall

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

yellow

Foliage Description

medium to dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Drainage
average

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate to high

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

60-70 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Cucumis sativus 'Lemon' requires consistent moisture throughout the growing season, with deep watering 2-3 times per week rather than frequent shallow watering. Provide a balanced fertilizer at planting and side-dress with compost or balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during the growing season. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Support the vining growth with trellises, cages, or allow to sprawl over a large area. Monitor regularly for cucumber beetles and powdery mildew, which are common issues. Harvest fruits when they are 2-3 inches in diameter and still tender for best flavor and to encourage continued production.

Pruning

Cucumis sativus 'Lemon' requires minimal pruning but benefits from training and light maintenance. Remove any damaged, diseased, or yellowing leaves throughout the growing season. Train vines onto supports and gently redirect growth as needed. Pinch off the growing tips when vines reach the desired length to encourage lateral branching and fruit production. Remove any fruits that show signs of disease or pest damage immediately to prevent spread to healthy fruits.

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Cucumis sativus 'Lemon' is non-toxic and safe for human consumption. All parts of the mature fruit are edible and safe for children and adults. The plant is also generally safe for pets, though large quantities of any plant material may cause mild digestive upset in sensitive animals.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

both

Indoor Start

3 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

after last frost when soil temperature reaches 60°F

Days to Maturity

60–70 days

Plant Spacing

12 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

tomatoes
peppers
beans
radishes
marigolds
nasturtiums
sunflowers

Avoid Planting With

fennel
sage
rue
strong-scented herbs